Seattle’s newest arena isn’t just for sports fans

WHAT HE’S DOING: Seattle native Rico Quirindongo believes that good design begins with listening to a community. Architecture, as he sees it, is a way to connect and empower the city he calls home. He likes to say he doesn’t care about buildings, just people. But it’s clear that both are pretty important to him when you look at the projects he’s had a hand in, like The Northwest African American Museum , MarketFront at Pike Place, and now, the renovation of the former Key Arena.

FUN FACT: Quirindongo’s first project was designing a house for a King County librarian.

QUOTABLE: “Buildings are a reflection of the communities that they’re in and the communities that they’re serving.”

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED: Construction is underway on the Seattle Center Arena now. Curious where the design process stands? Check in with the city here.